Lenovo™ IdeaCentre™ AIO Y910: How to Upgrade the Memory in 10 Steps

For most people using a PC, memory isn't something you'd normally think twice about. In most newer computers, hardware configurations are new enough to tackle everyday uses like web browsing and video streaming. For PC gamers, however, memory serves one of the most important functions for your game.

But what if you want to take that extra step and go all the way with your memory configuration? Luckily, Lenovo’s Y series gaming PCs, like the new IdeaCentre AIO Y910 all-in-one, are ready-to-play right out of the box and just as easy to upgrade its components without tools. We’re going to break down how to figure out if you need additional memory and how to quickly upgrade in 10 steps.

Lenovo IdeaCentre AIO Y910 gaming all-in-one desktop

But first things first, what is computer memory?

Video games today are more complex than ever. Graphics cards and processors sort out the game's design and calculations, so why is RAM (random access memory) important? With more variables unfolding in real-time during gameplay, your PC needs to have a place to store and quickly access any possible programmed scenario that might play out in your game – and that's where memory comes in. It's faster than your hard drive, which is usually used when you want to write something to disk, like a game save, for example.

The more RAM you have, the more information you can temporarily store there. If your memory is limited, you'll be able to load part of what the game is trying to throw at you but might experience a lag or some stuttering as the game tries to spool out a lot of information at once. So the more memory you have, the smoother the gameplay will be.

How much memory do I need?

Most games will run with 8GB of memory, but if you really want to max out settings, 32GB of memory will allow you to easily run applications in addition to games. That means you can be streaming music or downloading videos you want to watch later while playing your game at the same time.

Lenovo IdeaCentre AIO Y910 with a 27-inch near borderless display

Built entirely within a 27-inch near borderless display, the IdeaCentre AIO Y910 has up to 32GB DDR4 RAM, with room to upgrade if you’ve ordered a lower configuration. Unlike all-in-ones of the past where hardware was permanently affixed to the screen, the IdeaCentre AIO Y910 is fully customizable. If you’re looking to upgrade your memory, here's the easy way to get it done on the IdeaCentre AIO Y910.

The IdeaCentre AIO Y910 has room for up to 32GB of memory, so depending on where you're starting from, you could jump from 8GB to 32GB in minutes – with no tools required. Here's how:

Step 1: Do not open your computer or attempt any repair before reading and understanding the important safety information in the IdeaCentre AIO Y910 user guide and manual. For a copy, go to: http://www.lenovo.com/support

Step 2: Power down and unplug your IdeaCentre AIO Y910 from the power source.

Step 3: Now that it’s powered down, turn the IdeaCentre AIO Y910 around and push down on the right side of the Y Logo found in the center of the back panel. This opens up your PC so you can swap out the memory.

Step 4: Unhook the system shield.

Step 5: Find the memory slots on the system board. (You should see two slots and depending on your configuration, one of them might not have a memory stick already inside). Gently pull the memory card upward until it releases and carefully pull the existing memory stick out.

Step 6: Take your new memory stick or sticks and make sure to align them facing the right way so that the pins slide easily into the memory slot. (Repeat this procedure if you’re adding a second memory stick, making sure when you're finished that you push the memory slot back down, where you should feel a small click when secured).

Step 7: Reattach the system shield onto its hooks.

Step 8: Slide the back panel back on, making sure it's securely back in place. (Again, you should feel a click when it's secured).

Step 9: Power it on. (You should receive a message at boot up notifying you that your memory has changed).

Step 10: Press F1 to continue booting up. (If you hear a series of warning beeps, make sure that your memory sticks are securely in place. Repeat steps above as needed).

And voila! Within minutes, you should be all set to get back to your game.

VR-ready IdeaCentre AIO Y910 with NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 starts at $1,799.99, available starting in November 2016 on www.lenovo.com.2

2 Prices do not include tax or shipping or options and are subject to change without notice; additional terms and conditions apply. Reseller prices may vary. On-shelf dates may vary by geography and products may only be available in selected markets. All offers subject to availability. Lenovo reserves the right to alter product offerings, features and specifications at any time without notice.